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How to improve indoor air quality in your Chicago home
Chicago homes are closed up for months at a time, so indoor air matters. These steps make the biggest difference.
Use the right filter and change it
A pleated filter in the MERV 8 to 11 range suits most homes. Higher ratings catch more but can restrict airflow, so check that your system can handle them. Replace filters on schedule.
Control humidity
Aim for roughly 30 to 50 percent. Dry winter air irritates airways, and damp summer air feeds mold and dust mites. A humidifier or dehumidifier tied to the system can help.
Ventilate
Run bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, and open windows briefly on mild days.
Cut pollutants at the source
Keep dust down with a HEPA vacuum, choose low-VOC products and don't burn candles or incense constantly.
Keep combustion safe
Furnaces, boilers and water heaters must vent properly. Install carbon monoxide alarms and test them monthly.
Maintain the system
Dirty coils, leaky ducts and clogged drains hurt air quality. A yearly tune-up keeps them in check. Duct cleaning is worth it after construction or visible contamination, but it isn't needed on a schedule.
Need a hand? See our maintenance plans, grab a coupon, or call 773-644-8227.
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